Types of Decking for Lowcountry Custom Homes
In the Lowcountry, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy outdoor living spaces almost year-round thanks to our long, warm summers and short, mild winters. Of course, if you want your outdoor space to stand the test of time—and humidity—having the right type of decking is important.
At Shoreline Construction, we always recommend Ipe wood for these types of builds in the Lowcountry. Ipe (“ee-pay”) wood—also known as Brazilian walnut or Lapacho—is harvested from various tree species within the Handroanthus family native to Central and South America’s subtropics. It has a beautiful, warm color and natural luster that looks great with any outdoor space.
Designed by Pearce Scott Architects, this Moreland Village home in Palmetto Bluff features Ipe wood in its outdoor living space and deck. It not only complements the home’s exterior design well, but will also last for decades to come.
Below, we’ll cover the various benefits of Ipe wood and why it’s ideal for Lowcountry outdoor spaces and decks.
Ipe wood generally has a warm tone but can vary in color from reds and browns to yellows and greens depending on the tree it was harvested from. And, without regular oil treatments, Ipe will age to a beautiful silver-gray color.
This color variation makes Ipe decks unique and allows you the flexibility to choose a shade that complements your Lowcountry home best.
Ipe wood has natural oils that keep it well-protected against the elements, making it ideal for our Lowcountry climate.
Ipe is also one of the most dense types of wood in the world, making it extremely durable. In fact, it is stronger than redwood and cedar. A larger density means that Ipe contracts and expands much less than other materials, which means less noticeable shifting over time.
With added routine oil treatments, Ipe is guaranteed to last for several decades. In fact, Ipe wood was used to construct the famous Coney Island boardwalk in 1923 and is still standing today—after nearly a century of standing up to foot traffic, vehicles, and Hurricane Donna!
Although your outdoor living space isn't likely to see millions of visitors—and definitely not vehicles—it is still nice knowing that even in the face of hurricane season, your decking will remain unscathed.
With our humid Lowcountry summers, it’s important to use decking that can stand up to moisture. Because Ipe wood originates from the subtropics, it contains natural oils and dense fibers that protect it in this type of environment.
It also contains large amounts of tannic acid, which prevents mold, mildew, and fungi growth; this makes Ipe wood less prone to rotting. Ipe wood’s oils and tannic acid also protect it from insects such as termites.
Ipe wood’s fire-resistance also makes it a great option for decking, especially in wildfire-sensitive areas. Because of its density, it has a Class A fire rating, just like concrete and steel. In addition, Ipe does not retain heat but rather disperses it; this means that you can comfortably walk out onto your deck barefoot during those hot summers.
Ipe wood’s natural oils do a pretty great job of preserving it on its own, but as mentioned earlier, added oil treatments can ensure your Ipe decking lasts throughout the life of your home.
Fortunately for Lowcountry homeowners, Ipe wood is very low-maintenance. It only requires regular cleaning, such as sweeping and/or rinsing debris, and applying oil-based sealants to preserve the wood’s natural color and fibers. That’s it—no chemical treatments required.
Although Ipe is notably a more expensive wood than common alternatives like redwood and cedar, it is considerably much more durable and requires less maintenance overall—making it well worth the cost.